Right to Recall

In February 2026, AAP MP Raghav Chadha ignited Parliament with a bold call for electoral reform: a "Right to Recall" mechanism to let voters fire non-performing MPs and MLAs mid-term. Just as voters have the right to elect leaders, Chadha argues, they should have the power to remove them too, ending the "5 years of zero consequences" reality. This proposal arrives amid growing frustration with unaccountable representation, drawing parallels to impeachment processes already in place for higher offices.

What is Right to Recall?

The Right to Recall empowers citizens to initiate a formal process to de-elect elected officials before their term ends, but only on serious grounds like proven misconduct, corruption, fraud, or gross neglect of duty. Chadha highlighted that over 24 democracies—including the US and Switzerland, already have voter-initiated recall systems, proving it's viable without destabilizing governance.

Chadha's safeguards prevent misuse:

• 18-month cooling period post-election to allow delivery time
• 35-40% voter petition threshold to trigger a recall vote
• 50%+ majority in the final recall vote for removal

As he put it: "No profession tolerates underperformance for five years without consequences." This isn't about politics, it's citizen empowerment.

Why It Resonates Now

India's democracy thrives on elections every five years, yet mid-term accountability feels absent for individual legislators. Voters can oust governments via no-confidence motions, impeach judges or the President—but MPs/MLAs often coast on past promises. Chadha's pitch taps into real voter fatigue, especially as NOTA gains traction without teeth.

Potential Wins:

• Forces parties to field accountable candidates, not just winnable ones
• Reduces corruption by raising the personal stakes for elected reps
• Restores faith in democracy by making "the people" truly sovereign

As he put it: "No profession tolerates underperformance for five years without consequences." This isn't about politics, it's citizen empowerment.

The HR Angle: Accountability in Politics Mirrors the Workplace

At KritiHR, we see parallels between political accountability and modern workplaces. Just as voters demand results from leaders, employees expect non-performers, managers, teams, even companies, to face real consequences. Poor leadership erodes trust faster than any policy; that's why our platform matches talent to employers with transparent cultures and proven delivery.

Imagine applying "Right to Recall" logic to careers:

• Fire underperforming managers mid-project (hello, quiet firing antidote)
• Recall mismatched roles before sunk-cost loyalty traps you
• Petition for better benefits when promises fade post-hiring

Chadha's reform could inspire HR innovation: What if job platforms let candidates "recall" ghosting recruiters or bait-and-switch JDs? Accountability flows both ways.

Kriti is your AI-powered career co-pilot, designed to help you stay ahead of the curve. It empowers job-seekers to navigate uncertain times with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re exploring new roles, upskilling, or simply wanting to understand your market worth, Kriti helps you make smarter career moves.